CHRISTMAS SPORTS AND AMUSE- MENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4404, 24 December 1875, Page 2

CHRISTMAS SPORTS AND AMUSEMENTS.

The caterers for publio amusements will not be behindhand this year in their endeavours to provide for the amusement of holidayBeekers, pleasure-takers, and those of the public who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity of indulging in a little rational enjoyment at thia season of the year. It may be mentioned that as each season advances and retires, the pleasure gardens laid but in the various suburbs of Auckland improve in foliage, and become more and more attractive. They also increase in favour with the public, and greater facilities are offered for the meeting of old friends and acquaintances, and better accommodation is afforded to the visitors than on the previous year. Last, but not least, strawberries are in greater abundance, and a larger amount of cream is obtained from the cows. For instance, Ellerslie Gardens is now in all its glory, and few will regret a day's outing to this enchanting spot. To those who prefer water excursions, and a good appetite for a Christmas dinner, there is the Hauraki and lona with steam up, waiting to convey them to the Hot Springs, where at the hotel they will be regaled with a good old Christmas cheer. There are, however, so many attractions on this occasion that to enjoy them all it would be necesi ary to divide oneself into many parts. We purpose to give below a catalogue of the sports and amusements to take place on Boxing Day, but in advising the public which to participate in can only make use of the language of the Bhowman, who, when appealed to, said " Whichever you please ; you pay your money and you take you choice."

Messrs. B. Toiiks and Co. sold yesterday, by auction, the right to sell refreshments, &c., at Ellerslie Gardens on the occasion of the Ellerslie sports. The following prices were realised Cricket-house, Drew, £15 10s; Grand Stand bar, C. Burton, £16 ; booth No. 1, Galbraith, £5; right to sell fruit, Mrs. Vere, £6. The same auctioneers also disposed of the right to sell liquors, &c., at the Grand Stand bar and booths on the Ellerslie Racecourse at the summer race meeting, Ist and 3rd January next. The following are the prices realised Grand Stand bar, Mr. Lynch, £50: booth No. 1, Adams and Harker, £26; booth No. 2, Gleeson, £14; both No. 3, Bullen, £10! both No. 4, Brierly, £6 ; right to sell fruit, Green, £3 15s; cards, Adama, £50. Captain Casey announces au excursion to Kaipara and back on Christmas Day, leaving Auckland at 10 a.m. by the Gemini; Riverhead by train, at noon; and Helensville by s.e. Lily, at 4.30 p.m. Captain Casey also ventures to state that, if the railway is patronised on this occasion, the train • will possibly run twice on Boxing Day. The principal event on Boxing Day will consist of the Caledonian sports and Christmas fetes, to be held in the Ellerslie Gardens. Taains will ran from both Auckland and Onehunga, and intermediate stations, during the day. The programme of the foot races, &c., have been before the public for some time, and it is only necessary to say that numerous entries for the same have been made. Exciting competition is likely to ensue, the handicapping for each event having given the greatest satisfaation amongst the "fancy." The Hobson Band will enliven the proceedings by musical strains. Of course, Highlanders in costume (including tne respected proprietor) will be present. Airec, the Monarch of the Air—the rival of Leotard—ia announced to give serial performances over the grounds 'during the day. Dancing will take place on the platform. Pleasure takers should be reminded that strawberries and cream are in galore, and the roses are in full bloom. The _ North Shore Rowing Club Annual Athletic Sports also take ptece on this day, and, judging from both the programme and the entries for the various events, is sure to find sport and amusement, not only to those contesting, but also to the numbers that will grace the proceedings with their presence. The paddle-steamers Tainui, Takanuna, and Devon port, will convey visitors from Auckland to the Devonport Wharf at frequent intervals during the day. The facilities offered at the Hot Springs has induced tlie proprietor of the hotel and a committee of management to inaugurate sport 3on this year's Boxing Day. To enable the Auckland public to participate in the enjoyment as well as the visitors at the Springs, arrangements have been made for two steamers, each, possessing excellent accommodation, to make trips to Waiwera. The fast and well-known Thames boat, Hauraki, will leave Queen-street Wharf at nine o'clock in the morning, arriving at Waiwera shortly before noon. She 'will leove the Hot Springs again at 6re o'clock in the afternoon, reaching town about 8 p.m. This will give ample time for the enjoyment of sports, bathing, &c. The favourite and commadious Northern trading steamer lona will also make a trip to the Hot Springs and the Kawau. She is announced to leave the wharf at 10 o'clock on Boxing morning, and is no doubt to meet with patronage. _ Captain Casey's fine new steamer, Minnie Casey, wfll likewise make an excursion to the Springs and back. She leaves the wharf at 11 a.m., returning at 5.30 p.m. The trip will in no -(rise interfere with the nsual advertised time-table- It will thus be seen that there will be no want of steamer accommodation, even if half the Auckland public determine to patronise the Hot Springs. The annual demonstration of the members of the Independent Order of Good Templars will take place on this day. The i lodges in connection with the order will assemble at the junction of Queen and Greystreets, at ten o'clock in the morning, and proceed, headed by the band, to the Domain, via Queen and Shortland-street. The Devonport Lodge, No. 7, of 1.0. G.T., have resolved to spend their Boxing Day in the Vauxhall Gardens, North Shore. Healthful recreative sports will be indulged in, such as dancing on the lawn, quoits, swingsr, rountlers, &c. The Temperance Band will be in attendance, to give liveliness to the proceedings. Those who prefer indulging in strawberries and cream without travelling far will meet with their hearts' delight at the Willow Grove, North Shore, Mason Brothers' Parnell nursery, and at Mr. Brighton's garden in the domain. On account of oounter attractions, the annual practice of the Auckland Volunteer Engineers is postponed from Boxing Day till New Yea's Day. The .Prisce of Wales Theatre will open this evening; withe new Christmas pantomime entitled " Harlequin Bluebeard," 1 founded upon the well-known nursery tale of that name. A rehearsal was held last evening, and the different performers went through their several parts with success. The scenes are splendidly painted, and as specimens of artistic skill reflect the highest credit upon Mr. Thornton, the scenic artist. The harlequinade is bristling with local hits, tho merit of which will no doubt be duly appreciated. On the whole, we think the ' pantomime one of the best that has been produced in Auckland for many years past, and the management deserve praise for the exertions they have put forth and the pains they have taken to amuse the theatre-going public during the Christmas holidays, and j we confidently predict that they will not be ! behindhand in rewarding the efforts of the company with their presence. A grand conaert and ball will take place in the evening in the Lome-street Hall, under the anspices of the Saturday night's entertainment committee. The programme is a diversifying one, and likely to prove attractive. ' On this evening the Naval Brigade Variety Troupe will give an entertainment in the Parnell Hal], which will be under the patronage of the officers and members of the company. '